Hyderabad is home to some of the most mesmerizing temples like Ratnalayam Temple, Pedamma Temple, Sree Adinatha Jan Temple etc. Those who are in search of peace in the crowded and busy city must pay a visit to one of these temples in Hyderabad. Learn the culture, the rituals, and experience the divinity of this incredible city through its temples.

Divine temples of Hyderabad

1. Jagannath Temple – The most popular temple in the city

Jagannath Temple, constructed by Odiya community, is located in the beautiful locality of Banjara Hills. Boasting of modern architecture and design, this is one of the most famous temples in Telangana. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath- an incarnation of Lord Krishna, this temple also comprises of idols of Lord Balarama and Subhadra. Plus, there are small temples inside the main premises, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Parvati, Hanuman and Ganesh. The temple was constructed as a replica of Jagannath temple of Puri and the stone carvings inside the temple and 70 feet high Shikhara are surely sights to behold. Festivals like Ratha Yatra is celebrated with great grandeur and vibrancy.

Opening hours: 6 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 9 pm

2. Birla Temple – The sparkling white temple

Situated on 280 feet high Naubat Pahad, the Birla temple is one of the most beautiful and most visited temples in Hyderabad. The temple was built in 19th and is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara of Tirumala. The white marble structure, sprawling premise, beautiful sculptures and stone carvings of Gurbani and various teachings of esteemed saints, not only fascinate spiritual visitors but has made this place one of the major tourist attractions of Hyderabad. Along with the main shrine, the temple has other idols of Lord Ganesha, Brahma, Saraswati, Vishnu, Shiva and Hanuman. Owing to its hilltop location, the temple offers mesmerising views of Hyderabad city and Husain Sagar lake.

Opening hours: 7 am to 12 noon and 3 pm to 9 pm

3. Ratnalayam Temple – Ideal for meditation and chanting

Image SourceDevoted to Lord Venkateswara, Goddess Padmavati and Goddess Andal, Ratnalayam is one of the most famous temples near Hyderabad. This is an age-old temple where Shanku, Chakram and Namam are structured in the form of fountains. But what attracts maximum tourists here is the fountain showcasing the heavenly scene of Lord Vishnu resting on Adishesha with his wives. The temple comprises of Yagashala, Kalyana Katta, Pravachanam Hall, a huge manicured garden and a fascinating sculpture of Lord Krishna dancing on Kalindi-the poisonous snake. Devotees, are often seen chanting Vishnu Sahasranam in the central hall of the temple.

4. Shyam Temple – The temple with stunning beauty

Image SourcePopular as Shri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham Shri Shyam Baba Mandir, this is another age-old temple in Hyderabad. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shyam- an incarnation of Krishna. The beautiful temple architecture, stone figurines and paintings allure tourists throughout the year, but maximum footfall of devotees is witnessed during special festivals like Janmashtami and Raas Leela, when the temple authority organises night long bhajans.

Opening hours: 6 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 8:30 pm

5. Venkateswara Swamy Temple – The ‘passport Balaji’ temple

Popular as Chilkoor Balaji, this is one of the most revered Venkateswara Swamy temples in existence in India. Located by the banks of Osman Sagar, Venkateswara Swamy is one of the oldest temples around Hyderabad. Approximately 75 thousand to 1 lac devotees visit this temple in a week and the most unique feature of this temple is that it does not accept any monetary donation. Venkateswara Swamy Temple is also called as ‘passport Balaji’ or “visa Balaji” as people belive that all wishes regarding passport and visa procedures and overseas travel are fulfilled here.

Opening hours: 6 am to 1 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm

6. Karmanghat Hanuman Temple – A 800 years old temple

Image SourceBuilt in 12th century, by Kakatiya King Prataparuda, Karmanghat Hanuman Temple is another vinatge temple in Hyderabad. Karmanghat Hanuman Temple is of great significance amongst Hindu community, as people considered Hanuman ji temple as ‘sankat mochana’ or resolver of all troubles and challenges of life. This is undoubtedly one of the mystical temples in the city and features small temples of Lord Rama, Goddess Durga, Jagannatha, Saraswati, Nageshwara, Vigneshwara and Nabagraha gods.

Opening hours: 6 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 8 pm. Every Tuesday, the temples remains open from 5:30 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.

Image SourceHonoured as a popular Saraswati temple in Hyderabad, Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple is another must visit place in the city. This is one of the oldest Saraswati temples in India. The temple has Saraswati- goddess of the knowledge as the main deity along with Goddess Kali and Lakshmi. Located by the banks of Godavari, this temple is believed to be built by Sage Vyasa and attracts numerous visitors, especially during Vasant Panchami. Sri Gnana Saraswati Temple is famous for Akshar abhyasam ritual. This is the ritual of formal introduction of the child into the world of education. Akshar abhyasam is performed daily, but people consider Vasant Panchami as auspicious day to perform this ceremony.

Opening hours: 4 am to 12 noon and 2 pm to 8:30 pm

8. Keesaragutta Temple – Resonating peaceful vibes all around

Image SourceKeesaragutta Temple or Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple is a serene place, ideal for those looking for inner peace and joy. As one of the famous and most visited lord Shiva temples in Hyderabad, this place pulls thousands of devotees every week. The temple is located on a hill top and is known for marvellous architecture, murals and paintings. Along with the main idol of Lord Shiva, one can also worship Goddess Bhavani and Siva Durga in this temple. Shiva Ratri is the main festival here, but Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Shiva Kalyanam and Ramalingheshwara Brahmotsavam are celebrated here with great pomp and glamour.

Opening hours: 6 am to 12:45 pm and 3 pm to 7: 30 pm.

9. Pedamma Temple – Devoted to supreme mother goddess

Image SourceThe list of famous temples around Hyderabad include Pedamma Temple, which means supreme mother in local language. This is the most famous temple amongst the local people, where they worship Santhan Laxmi (Goddess Laxmi sitting on lion) as the presiding deity of the native villages near Hyderabad. The colourful gopuram, main sanctum, prayer hall, murals and sculptures attract not only devotees but other tourists as well, round the year, but the best time to visit this temple is during Bonalu festival and Ratha Saptami, celebrated in June and July.

Opening hours: 6 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 8 pm

10. Sree Adinatha Jain Temple – Most revered Jain temple in the city

Image SourceA famous and significant Jain temple in Hyderabad outskirts is Sree Adinatha Jain Temple. Located in Kshetra, on Hyderabad-Medhak road, this ancient temple belongs to the Digambar sect of the Jain community and boasts of beautiful architecture, stone carvings and wood carvings. The main idol of Parshvnath, made of jet black granite stone is 11 feet high and is seen in a standing posture with 7 serpent hoods. Other attractions of this temple are column of Man-stambh or dignity and model of great teerth Sammed Shikharji. The temple also offers dharamshala like accommodation with cozy rooms and pure Jain food options.

Opening hours: 6 am to 9 pm

Next time you are visiting Hyderabad do include some of these beautiful temples in Hyderabad to your itinerary.